Chemical array fabrication and use

ABSTRACT

A method of using an addressable array of biopolymers on a substrate includes receiving the addressable array and an associated machine readable identifier carried on an array substrate or array housing. The array is exposed to a sample and read, and the identifier machine read as an identifier signal. Biological function data for one or more of the biopolymers is retrieved from a memory based on the identifier signal. Other methods in which first and updated sets of feature characteristic data may readily be provided to array users, and methods of generating arrays are also provided, as are apparatus and computer program products which can execute a method for generating or using arrays.

This application claims priority to copending application Ser. No.09/775,387, filed Jan. 31, 2001, under 35 U.S.C. 120, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to arrays, particularly biopolymer arrays (suchpolynucleotide arrays, and particularly DNA arrays) which are useful indiagnostic, screening, gene expression analysis, and other applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Arrays of biopolymers, such as arrays of peptides or polynucleotides(such as DNA or RNA), are known and are used, for example, as diagnosticor screening tools. Such arrays include regions (sometimes referenced asfeatures or spots) of usually different sequence biopolymers arranged ina predetermined configuration on a substrate. The arrays, when exposedto a sample, will exhibit a pattern of binding which is indicative ofthe presence and/or concentration of one or more components of thesample, such as an antigen in the case of a peptide array or apolynucleotide of particular sequence in the case of a polynucleotidearray. The binding pattern can be detected by reading the array, forexample, by observing a fluorescence pattern on the array followingexposure to a fluid sample in which all potential targets (for example,DNA) in the sample have been labeled with a suitable fluorescent label.

Methods of fabricating biopolymer arrays can be fabricated using lightdirected methods, in situ synthesis methods or deposition of thepreviously obtained biopolymers. In known light directed synthesismethods the aim is to form an array of oligonucleotides on a surface byremoving a photoremovable group from a surface, coupling a monomer tothe exposed region of the surface, and repeating the process. The insitu synthesis methods include those described in U.S. Pat. No.5,449,754 for synthesizing peptide arrays, as well as WO 98/41531 andthe references cited therein for synthesizing polynucleotides(specifically, DNA). Such in situ synthesis methods can be basicallyregarded as iterating the sequence of depositing droplets of: (a) aprotected monomer onto predetermined locations on a substrate to linkwith either a suitably activated substrate surface (or with a previouslydeposited deprotected monomer); (b) deprotecting the deposited monomerso that it can now react with a subsequently deposited protectedmonomer; and (c) depositing another protected monomer for linking.Different monomers may be deposited at different regions on thesubstrate during any one iteration so that the different regions of thecompleted array will have different desired biopolymer sequences. One ormore intermediate further steps may be required in each iteration, suchas oxidation and washing steps.

The “deposition method” basically involve depositing previously obtainedbiopolymers at predetermined locations on a substrate which are suitablyactivated such that the biopolymers can link thereto. The depositedbiopolymers may, for example, be obtained from synthetic or biologicalsources. Biopolymers of different sequence may be deposited at differentregions of the substrate to yield the completed array. Washing or otheradditional steps may also be used. Typical procedures known in the artfor deposition of polynucleotides, particularly DNA such as wholeoligomers or cDNA, are to load a small volume of DNA in solution in oneor more drop dispensers such as the tip of a pin or in an open capillaryand, touch the pin or capillary to the surface of the substrate. Such aprocedure is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,522. When the fluidtouches the surface, some of the fluid is transferred. The pin orcapillary must be washed prior to picking up the next type of DNA forspotting onto the array. This process is repeated for many differentsequences and, eventually, the desired array is formed. Alternatively,the DNA can be loaded into a drop dispenser in the form of an inkjethead and fired onto the substrate. Such a technique has been described,for example, in PCT publications WO 95/25116 and WO 98/41531, andelsewhere. This method has the advantage of non-contact deposition.Still other methods include pipetting and positive displacement pumpssuch as the Biodot equipment (available from Bio-Dot Inc., Irvine CA,USA).

In array fabrication, the quantities of DNA available for the array areusually very small and expensive. Sample quantities available fortesting are usually also very small and it is therefore desirable tosimultaneously test the same sample against a large number of differentprobes on an array. These conditions require use of arrays with largenumbers of very small, closely spaced spots (features). Due to theprecision required, and to maintain costs low, it will often bedesirable to have the arrays fabricated at a fabrication facility andthen shipped to the end user. The present invention realizes that duringthe fabrication process small errors may result which do not make agiven array useless provided they are communicated to an end user of thearray so he can interpret the data obtained from reading an arrayexposed to a sample accordingly. Such small errors may include, forexample, incorrect feature size, complete absence of one feature, orslightly incorrect feature location. However, the present inventionfurther realizes that at any later time following array fabrication oneor more previously detected errors in any of the thousands of featureson a typical array, may be found. It would be desirable if the nature ofsuch later detected errors could quickly and conveniently be provided tomany end users of the different arrays from a central fabricationfacility. Furthermore, it would be desirable if later discoveredbiological function data associated with one or more features of anarray could similarly be provided to many end users. The presentinvention further realizes that when many arrays with the same set offeatures are provided to many different end users, there is theopportunity for them to discover feature errors or biological functiondata associated with features which could be advantageously shared withothers. It would be desirable then, to provide a means by which arrayusers could quickly and easily obtain the benefit of prior users'discoveries of any quality issues or biological function data associatedwith array features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention then, provides in one aspect a method of using anaddressable array of biopolymers (such as polynucleotides, particularlyDNA, or peptides) on a substrate. The method includes receiving theaddressable array and an associated machine readable identifier carriedon an array substrate or array housing. The array may be exposed to asample and read. Additionally, at any point in this method theidentifier may be machine read as an identifier signal. The machinereadable identifier may be read while the array is in a same apparatuswhich reads the array, but this is not required. Biological functiondata may be retrieved for one or more of the biopolymers from a memorybased on the identifier signal. One method for the retrieval of thebiological function data includes communicating the identifier signal toa processor which retrieves data on the identity of the biopolymersbased on the read identifier. Such biopolymer identity data can be anytype of data which distinguishes different biopolymers on the array (forexample, biopolymer sequences or molecular weights of differentbiopolymer fractions obtained from a particular restriction fragmentexperiment on a particular polynucleotide sample, or that a biopolymerwas received from a particular source). The identity data on thebiopolymers is communicated to a processor which retrieves thebiological function data for one or more of the biopolymers from amemory based on the retrieved identity data. Optionally, the processorwhich retrieves the biological function data and the memory from whichthe biological function data is retrieved, may be at a location (such asa central fabrication station) remote from the location at which thearray and identifier are read (such as at an end user station). In suchcase, the read identifier or biopolymer identity data is communicated tothe remote location and the biological function data is received inresponse. Another method for retrieval is from a memory which is aportable storage medium (such as may be received from a remotelocation).

In the situation where communication with a remote location is used, themethod may also include obtaining a communication address of the remotestation using the identifier signal. For example, the communicationaddress may be included as part of the identifier or it may be retrievedfrom a database of communication addresses associated with at least partof respective identifiers. In one example, the database lists thecommunication address of a particular fabricator which fabricated allarrays with a predetermined portion of an identifier. The communicationaddress so obtained may be used to establish communication with theremote station.

The present invention further provides a method of using an addressablearrays of biopolymers on a substrate which may, for example, be executedat a location sometimes referenced as an end user station. In oneaspect, the method includes receiving the addressable arrays withrespective associated machine readable identifiers carried on an arraysubstrate or array housing. Each array is exposed to a sample and read.At any stage, the array identifier is machine read as an identifiersignal. A first set of feature characteristic data for each arrayreceived from a remote location is saved into a memory. An updated setof feature characteristic data for at least some of the features of atleast some of the arrays, received from a remote location, is also savedinto a memory (which may be the same or different from the memory intowhich the first set is saved). Either or both of the first and updatedsets may be received by communication from a remote location (such as acentral fabrication station) in response to receipt at the remotelocation of a communication of the read array identifier, or received ona portable storage medium. The saved first and updated sets of featurecharacteristic data for each array is retrieved using the readidentifier signal. One way of accomplishing this includes replacingfeature characteristic data from the first set for a given feature withcorresponding data from the update set when the first set data conflictswith the updated set data.

The method of using may additionally include communicating featurecharacteristic data for an array to a remote location in associationwith an identification of the feature (such identification including,for example, the array identifier and feature location within the array,or an identification of the biopolymer at the feature for whichcharacteristic data is communicated). Feature characteristics includesany one or more of feature physical characteristics, for example, anindication of a suspected feature error, and biological function datafor one or more of the biopolymers. Examples of suspected feature errorsinclude errors in dimensions (such as total area), location, presence(for example, an expected feature is missing), or amount of biopolymerpresent at a feature. The method of using may also include communicatingfeature characteristic data that is not directly used for featureextraction, such as biological function data for one or more features(for example, feature sequence) if previously unknown.

The present invention further provides a method of generatingaddressable arrays of biopolymers on a substrate. Such a method includesproviding the biopolymers for each array on different regions of thesubstrate so as to fabricate the array with features of differentcomposition. An identifier is applied to the substrate of each array ora housing carrying the substrate, different identifiers being appliedfor arrays having different sets of features. Data on the identity ofthe biopolymers on each array in association with the correspondingidentifier may optionally be saved into memory. The fabricated arraysand a first set of feature characteristic data associated with at leastone array identifier, may be forwarded to multiple different remotelocations (such as locations of end users of the array). An updated setof feature characteristic data for an array is also communicated to oneor more remote locations (such as a location of an end user of thearray) in response to a received communication of the identifiercorresponding to that array from a remote location. Alternatively, theupdated set of feature characteristics may be forwarded by shipping aportable storage medium carrying the data to the one or more remotelocations (such as those locations to which corresponding arrays wereshipped) Alternatively or additionally to forwarding first and updatedsets, biological function data for one or more of the biopolymers on anarray may be forwarded to a remote location (such as by communication inresponse to a received communication of the identifier for that array).

In one aspect, the method of generating arrays may optionally furtherinclude receiving feature characteristic data for an array inassociation with an identification of the feature, communicated from aremote location (such as an end user). The received featurecharacteristic data may be for a sub-set of features on a first arrayand may be received in association with an array identifiercorresponding to the first array. The updated set of featurecharacteristic data communicated to a remote location as previouslydescribed, may optionally include the received feature characteristicdata for the sub-set of features. In this manner, this aspect of theinvention allows, for example, end users to provide featurecharacteristic data which can be made available from a fabricationstation as update data for other remote locations (for example, otherend users such as upon receipt from such other end users of acommunicated identifier for a first array).

The present invention further provides apparatus which can execute oneor more methods of the present invention. In one aspect, for example, anapparatus for using an addressable array of biopolymers on a substratehas an array reader which reads the array following exposure to asample. A reader (which may be the same or different from the arrayreader) reads an identifier carried on an array substrate or an arrayhousing, as an identifier signal. A processor is also provided toperform any or all of the steps of a method of the invention, which canbe performed by a processor. For example, the processor may retrievebiological function data for one or more of the biopolymers from amemory (such as a portable storage medium in a portable storage mediumreader) based on the read identifier signal (such as by retrieving dataon the identity of the biopolymers based on the read identifier; andretrieving the biological function data for one or more of thebiopolymers from a memory based on the retrieved identity data). Asanother example, the processor may either control reading of the arrayor process information obtained from reading the array, in accordancewith the retrieved biological function data. The apparatus may furtherinclude a communication module through which the processor may performany communication functions required by the method. As a furtherexample, the processor may retrieve feature characteristic data for thearray from a memory based on the read identifier signal, communicatefeature characteristic data for the array to a remote location inassociation with an identification of the feature, and/or additionallyobtain a communication address for the remote location using theidentifier signal as described above.

In still another aspect of the apparatus, a central fabrication stationis provided which includes an array fabricator to provide biopolymersonto different regions of multiple substrates so as to fabricate arrays.A writing system is also included which applies a map identifier to eachsubstrate or a housing carrying the substrate, different identifiersbeing applied for arrays having different sets of features. Theprocessor in this aspect save into a memory: data on the identity of thebiopolymers for each array, in association with the identifier for thatarray; first sets of feature characteristic data for the arrays each inassociation with the array identifier; and an updated set of featurecharacteristic data for at least some of the features of at least someof the arrays, each in association with a corresponding arrayidentifier, which saving occurs at a time later than the saving of thefirst sets of feature characteristics. One same memory or differentmemories may be used for saving the foregoing items.

The present invention further provides a computer program product,comprising: a computer readable storage medium having a computer programstored thereon for performing, when loaded into a computer communicatingwith a suitable apparatus (such as at a fabrication or end user station)will cause execution of any one or more methods of the presentinvention.

One or more of the various aspects of the present invention may provideone or more of the following, or other, useful benefits. For example,errors detected after array fabrication may quickly and conveniently beprovided to many end users of the different arrays from a centralfabrication facility. Furthermore, later discovered biological functiondata associated with one or more features of an array may be provided tomany end users. Additionally, there is the opportunity for some userswhich discover feature errors or biological function data associatedwith features, to easily share such information with others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a substrate carrying multiple arrays, such as may befabricated by methods of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing multiple idealspots or features;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged illustration of a portion of the substrate in FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus of the present inventionin the form of a central fabrication station;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus at a user site which canexecute a method of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating methods of the present invention.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where practical, to designate identical elements that are commonto the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present application, unless a contrary intention appears, thefollowing terms refer to the indicated characteristics. A “biopolymer”is a polymer of one or more types of repeating units. Biopolymers aretypically found in biological systems and particularly includepolysaccharides (such as carbohydrates), and peptides (which term isused to include polypeptides and proteins) and polynucleotides as wellas their analogs such as those compounds composed of or containing aminoacid analogs or non-amino acid groups, or nucleotide analogs ornon-nucleotide groups. This includes polynucleotides in which theconventional backbone has been replaced with a non-naturally occurringor synthetic backbone, and nucleic acids (or synthetic or naturallyoccurring analogs) in which one or more of the conventional bases hasbeen replaced with a group (natural or synthetic) capable ofparticipating in Watson-Crick type hydrogen bonding interactions.Polynucleotides include single or multiple stranded configurations,where one or more of the strands may or may not be completely alignedwith another. A “nucleotide” refers to a sub-unit of a nucleic acid andhas a phosphate group, a 5 carbon sugar and a nitrogen containing base,as well as functional analogs (whether synthetic or naturally occurring)of such sub-units which in the polymer form (as a polynucleotide) canhybridize with naturally occurring polynucleotides in a sequencespecific manner analogous to that of two naturally occurringpolynucleotides. For example, a “biopolymer” includes DNA (includingcDNA), RNA, oligonucleotides, and PNA and other polynucleotides asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,902 and references cited therein (allof which are incorporated herein by reference), regardless of thesource. An “oligonucleotide” generally refers to a nucleotide multimerof about 10 to 100 nucleotides in length, while a “polynucleotide”includes a nucleotide multimer having any number of nucleotides.

An “array”, unless a contrary intention appears, includes any one, twoor three dimensional arrangement of addressable regions bearing aparticular chemical moiety or moieties (for example, biopolymers such aspolynucleotide sequences) associated with that region. An array is“addressable” in that it has multiple regions of different moieties (forexample, different polynucleotide sequences) such that a region (a“feature” or “spot” of the array) at a particular predetermined location(an “address”) on the array will detect a particular target or class oftargets (although a feature may incidentally detect non-targets of thatfeature). Array features are typically, but need not be, separated byintervening spaces. In the case of an array, the “target” will bereferenced as a moiety in a mobile phase (typically fluid), to bedetected by probes (“target probes”) which are bound to the substrate atthe various regions. However, either of the “target” or “target probes”may be the one which is to be evaluated by the other (thus, either onecould be an unknown mixture of polynucleotides to be evaluated bybinding with the other). An “array layout” refers collectively to one ormore characteristics of the features, such as feature positioning, oneor more feature dimensions, errors, or some indication of a moiety at agiven location. “Hybridizing” and “binding”, with respect topolynucleotides, are used interchangeably.

When one item is indicated as being “remote” from another, this isreferenced that the two items are at least in different buildings, andmay be at least one mile, ten miles, or at least one hundred milesapart. “Communicating” information references transmitting the datarepresenting that information as electric or electromagnetic (includinglight) signals over a suitable communication channel (for example, aprivate or public network). “Forwarding” an item refers to any means ofgetting that item from one location to the next, such as by causing theitem to be physically transported (shipped) and includes, at least inthe case of data, physically transporting a medium carrying the data orcommunicating the data. An array “package” may be the array plus only asubstrate on which the array is deposited, although the package mayinclude other features (such as a housing with a chamber). A “chamber”references an enclosed volume (although a chamber may be accessiblethrough one or more ports). It will also be appreciated that throughoutthe present application, that words such as “top”, “upper”, and “lower”are used in a relative sense only. “Fluid” is used herein to reference aliquid. A “set” or a “sub-set” may have one or more members (forexample, one or more droplets). A “processor” includes any one or moreelectrical and/or optical processors which can execute all the stepsrequired of it, or any hardware or software combination which willperform those or equivalent steps, such as one or more general purposedigital microprocessors suitably programmed from a computer readablemedium carrying necessary program code. Any “memory” includes anysuitable device or combination of devices in which a processor can storeand/or retrieve data as required, such as magnetic, optical, or solidstate storage devices (including magnetic or optical disks or tape orRAM, or any other suitable device or combination of them, either fixedor portable). Steps recited in a particular order in relation to anymethod can be performed in that order or changed to any order which islogically possible. Reference to a singular item, includes thepossibility that there are plural of the same items present. All patentsand other cited references are incorporated into this application byreference.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-3, methods and apparatus of the presentinvention may generate or use a contiguous planar substrate 10 carryingone or more arrays 12 disposed across a front surface 11 a of substrate10 and separated by inter-array areas 13. A back surface 11 b ofsubstrate 10 does not carry any arrays 12. The arrays on substrate 10can be designed for testing against any type of sample, whether a trialsample, reference sample, a combination of them, or a known mixture ofpolynucleotides (in which latter case the arrays may be composed offeatures carrying unknown sequences to be evaluated). Each array 12 hasassociated with it a unique identifier in the form of a bar code 356described below. By “unique” in this sense does not mean the identifieris absolutely unique, but it is sufficiently long so as unlikely to beconfused with another identifier on another array (and is preferablyunique as to a particular central fabrication station on a givencommunication channel). While ten arrays 12 are shown in FIG. 1 and thedifferent embodiments described below may use a substrate with only onearray 12 on it, it will be understood that substrate 10 and theembodiments to be used with it may have any number of desired arrays 12.Similarly, substrate 10 may be of any shape, and any apparatus used withit adapted accordingly. Depending upon intended use, any or all ofarrays 12 may be the same or different from one another and each willcontain multiple spots or features 16 of biopolymers such aspolynucleotides. A typical array may contain from more than ten, morethan one hundred, more than one thousand or ten thousand features, oreven more than from one hundred thousand features. All of the features16 may be different, or some or all could be the same. In the embodimentillustrated, there are interfeature areas 17 between features, which donot carry any polynucleotide. It will be appreciated though, that theinterfeature areas 17 could be of various sizes and configurations. Itwill be appreciated that there need not be any space separating arrays12 from one another, nor features 16 within an array from one another.However, in the case where arrays 12 are formed by the deposition methodas described above, such inter-array and inter-feature areas 17 willtypically be present. Each feature carries a predeterminedpolynucleotide (which includes the possibility of mixtures ofpolynucleotides). As per usual, A, C, G, T represent the usualnucleotides. It will be understood that there may be a linker molecule(not shown) of any known types between the front surface 11 a and thefirst nucleotide.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are enlarged views illustrating portions of ideal featureswhere the actual features formed are the same as the desired features(sometimes referenced as the “target” or “aim” features), with eachfeature 16 being uniform in shape, size and composition, and thefeatures being regularly spaced. In practice, such an ideal result isdifficult to obtain.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an apparatus of the present invention which canexecute a method of the present invention, will now be described. Theapparatus of FIG. 4 is a central fabrication station which includes asubstrate station 20 on which can be mounted a substrate 10. Pins orsimilar means (not shown) can be provided on substrate station 20 bywhich to approximately align substrate 10 to a nominal position thereon.Substrate station 20 can include a vacuum chuck connected to a suitablevacuum source (not shown) to retain a substrate 10 without exerting toomuch pressure thereon, since substrate 14 is often made of glass.

A dispensing head 210 is retained by a head retainer 208. Thepositioning system includes a carriage 62 connected to a firsttransporter 60 controlled by processor 140 through line 66, and a secondtransporter 100 controlled by processor 140 through line 106.Transporter 60 and carriage 62 are used execute one axis positioning ofstation 20 (and hence mounted substrate 10) facing the dispensing head210, by moving it in the direction of arrow 63, while transporter 100 isused to provide adjustment of the position of head retainer 208 (andhence head 210) in a direction of axis 204. In this manner, head 210 canbe scanned line by line, by scanning along a line over substrate 10 inthe direction of axis 204 using transporter 100, while line by linemovement of substrate 10 in a direction of axis 63 is provided bytransporter 60. In the case where arrays 12 are to be fabricated by thedeposition method, transporter 60 can also move a load station (notshown) beneath head 210 such that polynucleotides or other biopolymersobtained from different vessels from a customer, can be loaded into head210. Such a load station and method of use is described in detail inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/183,604 for “Method And ApparatusFor Liquid Transfer” filed Oct. 30, 1998 by Tella et al, incorporatedherein by reference. In the case where arrays 12 are to be fabricated bythe in situ method, supplies of suitable reagents can be provided influid communication with head 210, and a flood station can be providedfor steps in the process in which all features to be formed are exposedto the same solution. Such features are described in more detail in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/356,249 for “Biopolymer Arrays And TheirFabrication” filed by Perbost on Jul. 16, 1999, incorporated herein byreference. Head 210 may also optionally be moved in a vertical direction202, by another suitable transporter (not shown). It will be appreciatedthat other scanning configurations could be used. It will also beappreciated that both transporters 60 and 100, or either one of them,with suitable construction, could be used to perform the foregoingscanning of head 210 with respect to substrate 10. Thus, when thepresent application recites “positioning” one element (such as head 210)in relation to another element (such as one of the stations 20 orsubstrate 10) it will be understood that any required moving can beaccomplished by moving either element or a combination of both of them.The head 210, the positioning system, and processor 140 together act asthe deposition system of the apparatus. An encoder 30 communicates withprocessor 140 to provide data on the exact location of substrate station20 (and hence substrate 10 if positioned correctly on substrate station20), while encoder 34 provides data on the exact location of holder 208(and hence head 210 if positioned correctly on holder 208). Any suitableencoder, such as an optical encoder, may be used which provides data onlinear position.

Processor 140 also has access through a communication module 144 to acommunication channel 180 to communicate with one or more remotestations, such as locations at which arrays 12 are read. Communicationchannel 180 may, for example, be a Wide Area Network (“WAN”), telephonenetwork, satellite network, or any other suitable communication channel.Communication module 144 may be any module suitable for the type ofcommunication channel used, such as a computer network card, a computerfax card or machine, or a telephone or satellite modem.

Head 210 may have multiple pulse jets, such as piezoelectric orthermoelectric type pulse jets as may be commonly used in an ink jettype of printer and may, for example, include multiple chambers eachcommunicating with a corresponding set of multiple drop dispensingorifices and multiple ejectors which are positioned in the chambersopposite respective orifices. Each ejector is in the form of anelectrical resistor operating as a heating element under control ofprocessor 140 (although piezoelectric elements could be used instead).Each orifice with its associated ejector and portion of the chamber,defines a corresponding pulse jet. It will be appreciated that head 210could, for example, have more or less pulse jets as desired (forexample, at least ten or at least one hundred pulse jets). Applicationof a single electric pulse to an ejector will cause a droplet to bedispensed from a corresponding orifice. Certain elements of the head 210can be adapted from parts of a commercially available thermal inkjetprint head device available from Hewlett-Packard Co. as part no.HP51645A. A suitable head construction is described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/150,507 filed Sep. 9, 1998 by Caren et al. for“Method And Multiple Reservoir Apparatus For Fabrication Of BiomolecularArrays”, incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, multiple headscould be used instead of a single head 210, each being similar inconstruction to head 210 and being movable in unison by the sametransporter or being provided with respective transporters under controlof processor 140 for independent movement.

As is well known in the ink jet print art, the amount of fluid that isexpelled in a single activation event of a pulse jet, can be controlledby changing one or more of a number of parameters, including the orificediameter, the orifice length (thickness of the orifice member at theorifice), the size of the deposition chamber, and the size of theheating element, among others. The amount of fluid that is expelledduring a single activation event is generally in the range about 0.1 to1000 pL, usually about 0.5 to 500 pL and more usually about 1.0 to 250pL. A typical velocity at which the fluid is expelled from the chamberis more than about 1 m/s, usually more than about 10 m/s, and may be asgreat as about 20 m/s or greater. As will be appreciated, if the orificeis in motion with respect to the receiving surface at the time anejector is activated, the actual site of deposition of the material willnot be the location that is at the moment of activation in aline-of-sight relation to the orifice, but will be a location that ispredictable for the given distances and velocities.

The apparatus can deposit droplets to provide features which may havewidths (that is, diameter, for a round spot) in the range from a minimumof about 10 μm to a maximum of about 1.0 cm. In embodiments where verysmall spot sizes or feature sizes are desired, material can be depositedaccording to the invention in small spots whose width is in the rangeabout 1.0 μm to 1.0 mm, usually about 5.0 μm to 500 μm, and more usuallyabout 10 μm to 200 μm.

The apparatus further includes a display 310, speaker 314, and operatorinput device 312. Operator input device 312 may, for example, be akeyboard, mouse, or the like. Processor 140 has access to a memory 141,and controls print head 210 (specifically, the activation of theejectors therein), operation of the positioning system, operation ofeach jet in print head 210, and operation of display 310 and speaker314. Memory 141 may be any suitable device or devices in which processor140 can store and retrieve data, such as magnetic, optical, or solidstate storage devices (including magnetic or optical disks or tape orRAM, or any other suitable device, either fixed or portable). Processor140 may include a general purpose digital microprocessor suitablyprogrammed from a computer readable medium carrying necessary programcode, to execute all of the steps required for by the present inventionfor array production, or any hardware or software combination which willperform those or equivalent steps. The programming can be providedremotely to processor 140, or previously saved in a computer programproduct such as memory 141 or some other portable or fixed computerreadable storage medium using any of those devices mentioned below inconnection with memory 141. For example, a magnetic or optical disk 324a may carry the programming, and can be read by disk writer/reader 326.

A writing system which is under the control of processor 140, includes awriter in the form of a printer 150 which applies identifiers ontosubstrate 10 by printing them in the form of the bar codes 356 directlyonto substrate 10 (or indirectly such as onto a label later attached tothe substrate), each in association with a corresponding array 12 asillustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the identifiers can by appliedonto a housing carrying the substrate or label to be applied to suchsubstrate or housing. Printer 150 may accomplish this task before orafter formation of the array by the drop deposition system. Theidentifiers may include a communication address which can identify to alocation (such as an end user station) an address of a remote locationon communication channel 180 from which will be communicated firstand/or update sets of feature characteristic data for an array inresponse to a received communication of the identifier for that arrayor, where the feature characteristic data is biopolymer function data ofthe identifier or identity information of one or more biopolymers onthat array. As mentioned, such feature characteristic data may includefeature physical characteristics or biological function data for one ormore of the biopolymers on array features. Such location will have amemory accessible on the communication channel 180 carrying a databaseof the data in association with corresponding array identifiers orcorresponding biopolymer identity information so as to facilitateretrieval of the data upon receipt of the array identifier or biopolymeridentity information. The location identified by the communicationaddress may be that of communication module 144 or alternatively that ofanother location. Examples of a communication address may be a telephonenumber, computer ID on a WAN, or an internet Universal Resource Locator.The writing system further includes a data writer/reader 326 (such as anoptical or magnetic disk drive) which can write data to a portablecomputer readable storage medium (such as an optical or magnetic disk).A cutter 152 is provided to cut substrate 10 into individual array units15 each carrying a corresponding array 12 and bar code 356.

FIG. 5 illustrates an apparatus at which an addressable array 12 may beused, in particular a single “user station” which is remote from thefabrication station (usually at the location of the customer whichordered a received array 12). The user station includes a processor 162,a memory 184, an array reader in the form of a scanner 160 to read anarray following exposure to a sample, data writer/reader 186 (which maybe capable of writing/reading to the same type of media as writer/reader320), and a communication module 164 which also has access tocommunication channel 180. Scanner 160 may include a holder 161 whichreceives and holds an array unit 15, as well as a source of illumination(such as a laser) and a light sensor 165 to read fluorescent lightsignals from respective features on the array. Communication module 164may be any type of suitable communication module, such as thosedescribed in connection with communication module 144. Memory 184 can beany type of memory such as those used for memory 141. Scanner 160 can beany suitable apparatus for reading an array, such as one which can readthe location and intensity of fluorescence at each feature of an arrayfollowing exposure to a fluorescently labeled sample. For example, sucha scanner may be similar to the GENEARRAY scanner available fromHewlett-Packard, Palo Alto, Calif. Scanner 160 also includes though, areader 163 to read a the identifier in the form bar code 356 appearingon segment 15 as a read identifier signal. However, less preferably thisreader may be the same as the array reader. The scanning components ofscanner 160, holder 161, and reader 163 may all be contained within thesame housing of a single same apparatus.

It will be understood that there may be multiple such user stations,each remote from the fabrication station and each other, with thefabrication station of FIG. 4 acting as a central fabrication station(that is, a fabrication station which services more than one remote userstation at the same or different times). One or more such user stationsmay be in communication with the fabrication station at any given time.It will also be appreciated that processors 140 and 162 can beprogrammed from any computer readable medium carrying a suitablecomputer program. For example, such a medium can be any memory devicesuch as those described in connection with memory 141, and may be readlocally (such as by reader/writer 320 in the case of processor 140 orwriter/reader 186 in the case of processor 162) or from a remotelocation through communication channel 180.

The operation of the fabrication station will now be described withreference to FIGS. 4 and 6. Reference numbers appearing in FIG. 6 areshown in parentheses, with events at the central fabrication stationbeing within box 400 and those at a single user station within box 500.Events for only one user station remote from the central fabricationstation are shown in FIG. 6, but it will be understood that typicallythere will be many such remote user stations. It will be assumed that asubstrate 10 on which arrays 12 are to be fabricated, is in position onstation 20 and that processor 140 is programmed with the necessarylayout information to fabricate target arrays 12. Processor 140 controlsfabrication of each array by depositing one or more drops of eachbiopolymer onto a corresponding region (feature) on the substrate in thecase of the deposition method, or by depositing biomonomer drops onto aregion and sending the array to the flood station in the case of the insitu method, so as to fabricate the array (400). During or followingarray fabrication, arrays are inspected for quality control (“QC”)(420),for example for information on missing features, misplaced features,features of incorrect dimensions, or other physical characteristics, ina manner as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/302,898 for“Polynucleotide Array Fabrication” filed Apr. 30, 1999 by Caren et al.,and application Ser. No. 09/419,447 for “Biopolymer Array Inspection”filed Oct. 15, 1999 by Fisher, both incorporated herein by reference.Available biological function data (434) for biopolymers on the array isretrieved by processor 140 using biopolymer identity information (suchas sequence information) from portable storage medium 324 a and/or fromone or more remote databases through communication channel 180.“Biological function data” includes any biological information on anarray feature or a target, such as information on the function of atarget (such as cDNA) or its complement (such as the mRNA from which thecDNA was derived), or the gene from which either originated directly orindirectly (such as the gene from which the mRNA complementary to atarget cDNA, was transcribed). For example, biological function data mayinclude information such as a gene identification (for example, a genename) or function from which is transcribed mRNA the DNA complement ofwhich is detected by a particular feature or features. Any otherinformation which might be of use to the end user may be forwarded inaddition to, or instead of, the biological function data. Any suchinformation includes information which is associated with an array andmay be used by the user in reading that array or processing results readfrom the array (such as information on where to obtain furtherinformation on the array layout or processing of read results).

For each fabricated array 12, processor 140 will generate acorresponding unique identifier and will save (430) this in memory 141in association with the following (together forming a first set offeature characteristic data 440): target array layout information(including the location and identity of biopolymers at each feature);quality control data (obtained in step 420); and biological functiondata (434). Either before array fabrication on substrate 10 has beencommenced, or after it has been completed, substrate 10 may be sent towriter 150 which, under control of processor 140, writes (410) theidentifier for each array 12 in the form of bar codes 356 onto substrate10 each in association with its corresponding array (by being physicallyclose to it in the manner shown in FIG. 1). The substrate 10 is thensent to a cutter 152 wherein portions of substrate 10 carrying anindividual array 12 and its associated local identifier 356 areseparated from the remainder of substrate 10, to provide multiple arrayunits 15. The array unit 15 is placed in package 340 along with storagemedium 324 b (if used) carrying the first set of feature characteristicdata and identifier for that same array unit 15 (and possibly for otherarray units 15 which are to be sent to the same remote customerlocation), and the package then shipped (480) to a remote user station.The first set of feature characteristic data 440 for each such array isforwarded (460) to the same remote users, either by shipping to eachuser in association with the corresponding array identifier on portablestorage medium 324 b, or by communicating the first set over channel 180in response to a received communication from the remote station of thecorresponding array identifier. An identification of the features in thearray to which any data pertains, is included as a part of the featurecharacteristic data. Note that the feature characteristic data may onlybe for a sub-set of features on a given array. Alternatively, in theless desired situation where the first set carries only biologicalfunction data, biopolymer identifications may be used in place of thearray identifier.

At some time after fabrication of an array (for example, after it hasbeen shipped to a remote user), the fabrication station may receive(450) further array quality control and/or biopolymer biologicalfunction data from various sources. For example, such may be receivedfrom a remote array user as illustrated in FIG. 6 and described below.However, such may additionally be received as a result of thefabricator's own investigations or from remote databases. For example,quality data (such as an error in the placement, dimensions, orpresence) of one or more features may be discovered by an individual atthe fabrication station by later inspection of some arrays of a samefeature pattern made in a same batch as other arrays previously shippedto one or more customers. Additionally, biological function data may beautomatically retrieved by processor 140 at predetermined time intervalsfrom one or more remote databases over communication channel 180 usingdata on the identity of the biopolymers on previously fabricated arrays12 which was saved in memory 141. Any further such received quality orbiological function data is saved (470) in memory 141 in associationwith the corresponding array identifier for later forwarding (472) toone or more remote user stations (any one or more of which may be thesame or different from the remote user that provided all or part of suchfurther data).

The above sequence can be repeated at the fabrication station as desiredfor multiple substrates 10 in turn. As mentioned above, the fabricationstation may act as a central fabrication station for each of multipleremote user stations, in the same manner as described above. Whether ornot the fabrication station acts as a central fabrication station, itcan optionally maintain a database of the first sets of featurecharacteristic data (and update sets), each in association with thecorresponding array identifier. However, such database can be maintainedat another location and may be dispensed with in the case where thefirst sets are shipped on portable storage media (such as medium 324 b)to the end users.

At the user station of FIG. 5, the resulting package 340 is thenreceived from the remote fabrication station. A sample, for example atest sample, is exposed to the array 12 on the array unit 15 received inpackage 340. Following hybridization and washing in a known manner, thearray unit 15 is then inserted into holder 161 in scanner 160 forreading of the array (such as information representing the fluorescencepattern on the array 12). The array identifier is also machine read bythe reader 163 in scanner 160 reading (501) the bar code 356 present onthe array substrate 10 in association with the corresponding array 12,while the array unit 15 is still positioned in retained in holder 161.Using read identifier 356 (or biopolymer identification information),processor 162 may then retrieve (502) the first set of featurecharacteristic data for the array either from portable storage medium324 b or from the database of such information in memory 141 bycommunicating the array identifier to that database throughcommunication module 164 and communication channel 180 and receiving thecorresponding first set of feature characteristic data in response. Inthe latter situation, processor 162 may obtain the communication addressof communication module 144 by which to access memory 141 (or theaddress of another database carrying the identity map and associatedidentifier of array 12), from a communication address in identifier 356or by accessing a database of manufacturer's communication addressesbased on the read array identifier (either from a local memory or bycommunication with a remote database). Processor 162 may retrieve (504)the updated set of feature characteristic data (470) in any of the sameways the first set of feature characteristic data is obtained, althoughthis may be obtained at the same, earlier, or later time. The retrievedfirst and updated sets may optionally be merged by replacing featurecharacteristic data from the first set for a given feature withcorresponding data from the update set when the first set data conflictswith the updated set data. For example, if the first set indicates aparticular feature is present and the updated set indicates that it isnot, the merged data indicates that feature is not present. Thus, whenuse of the first and updated sets is referenced in reading or processingread data from the array, this may be done by way of using the mergeddata.

The array in array unit 15, while still positioned in holder 161, may beread to obtain read results. Processor 162 may cause the array to beread, or the data obtained from reading to be processed (which termincludes interpretation of data), (510) using the retrieved first andupdated feature characteristic sets. For example, if the sets togetherindicate a particular feature is missing or severely defective then thescanner may simply avoid reading such a feature at all. Alternatively,the read data from such a feature may simply be deleted or ignored inany subsequent processing, or processed results flagged as possiblybeing in error due to that defective feature. As mentioned, the firstand/or updated sets may include biopolymer identification information,and this can also be used to retrieve an additional updated set of arrayfeature characteristic data from one or more other local or remotelocations (by communication of the biopolymer identifications andreceiving in response, the updated set). Results from the array readingcan be processed results, such as obtained by rejecting a reading for afeature which is below a predetermined threshold and/or formingconclusions based on the pattern read from the array (such as whether ornot a particular target sequence may have been present in the sample).The results of the reading (processed or not) can be forwarded (such asby communication) to be received at a remote location for furtherevaluation and/or processing, or use, using communication channel 180 orreader/writer 186 and medium 190. This data may be transmitted by othersas required to reach the remote location, or re-transmitted to elsewhereas desired.

During array reading or processing read data, a suspected error in afeature characteristic (such as presence, placement, dimensions, orbiopolymer concentration) may be detected (520). The suspected error canthen be communicated (530) to the remote fabrication station inassociation with the corresponding array identifier or biopolymeridentity data, where such information may optionally be analyzed and, ifconsidered appropriate (for example, where the same suspected error foran array of a same feature pattern is reported by multiple remote users)added to the updated set of feature characteristic data. Alternativelyor additionally, further biological function data for a feature may becommunicated to the fabrication station for adding to the updated set.Such further updated set is then available for retrieval by the same orother remote users. In this manner, multiple remote users can contributeto the continuous improvement in the updated feature characteristic set.

In a variation of the above, it is possible that each array 12 and itssubstrate 10 may be contained with a suitable housing. Such a housingmay include a closed chamber accessible through one or more portsnormally closed by septa, which carries the substrate 10. In this case,the identifier for each array may be applied to the housing.

Modifications in the particular embodiments described above are, ofcourse, possible. For example, where a pattern of arrays is desired, anyof a variety of geometries may be constructed other than the organizedrows and columns of arrays 12 of FIG. 1. For example, arrays 12 can bearranged in a series of curvilinear rows across the substrate surface(for example, a series of concentric circles or semi-circles of spots),and the like. Similarly, the pattern of regions 16 may be varied fromthe organized rows and columns of spots in FIG. 2 to include, forexample, a series of curvilinear rows across the substrate surface (forexample, a series of concentric circles or semi-circles of spots), andthe like. Even irregular arrangements of the arrays or the regionswithin them can be used provided the locations of features of identifiedbiopolymers are known. Further, the identifier shipped to a remote userwith the array need not be on the array substrate or housing provided itis in some manner associated with the corresponding array when shippedto the user. For example, the identifier could be only on portablestorage medium 324 b or a paper or other printed medium which isassociated with the corresponding array such as by being physicallyassociated with it in the same package 340.

The present methods and apparatus may be used to deposit biopolymers orother moieties on surfaces of any of a variety of different substrates,including both flexible and rigid substrates. Thus, in any of the abovedescribed methods “biopolymer” or “biopolymers” could more broadly bereplaced with “moiety” or “moieties”. Preferred materials for thesubstrate provide physical support for the deposited material and endurethe conditions of the deposition process and of any subsequent treatmentor handling or processing that may be encountered in the use of theparticular array. The array substrate may take any of a variety ofconfigurations ranging from simple to complex. Thus, the substrate couldhave generally planar form, as for example a slide or plateconfiguration, such as a rectangular or square or disc. In manyembodiments, the substrate will be shaped generally as a rectangularsolid, having a length in the range about 4 mm to 200 mm, usually about4 mm to 150 mm, more usually about 4 mm to 125 mm; a width in the rangeabout 4 mm to 200 mm, usually about 4 mm to 120 mm and more usuallyabout 4 mm to 80 mm; and a thickness in the range about 0.01 mm to 5.0mm, usually from about 0.1 mm to 2 mm and more usually from about 0.2 to1 mm. However, larger substrates can be used, particularly when such arecut after fabrication into smaller size substrates carrying a smallertotal number of arrays 12. Substrates of other configurations andequivalent areas can be chosen. The configuration of the array may beselected according to manufacturing, handling, and use considerations.

The substrates may be fabricated from any of a variety of materials. Incertain embodiments, such as for example where production of bindingpair arrays for use in research and related applications is desired, thematerials from which the substrate may be fabricated should ideallyexhibit a low level of non-specific binding during hybridization events.In many situations, it will also be preferable to employ a material thatis transparent to visible and/or UV light. For flexible substrates,materials of interest include: nylon, both modified and unmodified,nitrocellulose, polypropylene, and the like, where a nylon membrane, aswell as derivatives thereof, may be particularly useful in thisembodiment. For rigid substrates, specific materials of interestinclude: glass; fused silica, silicon, plastics (for example,polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, andblends thereof, and the like); metals (for example, gold, platinum, andthe like).

The substrate surface onto which the polynucleotide compositions orother moieties is deposited may be porous or non-porous, smooth orsubstantially planar, or have irregularities, such as depressions orelevations. The surface may be modified with one or more differentlayers of compounds that serve to modify the properties of the surfacein a desirable manner. Such modification layers, when present, willgenerally range in thickness from a monomolecular thickness to about 1mm, usually from a monomolecular thickness to about 0.1 mm and moreusually from a monomolecular thickness to about 0.001 mm. Modificationlayers of interest include: inorganic and organic layers such as metals,metal oxides, polymers, small organic molecules and the like. Polymericlayers of interest include layers of: peptides, proteins, polynucleicacids or mimetics thereof (for example, peptide nucleic acids and thelike); polysaccharides, phospholipids, polyurethanes, polyesters,polycarbonates, polyureas, polyamides, polyethyleneamines, polyarylenesulfides, polysiloxanes, polyimides, polyacetates, and the like, wherethe polymers may be hetero- or homopolymeric, and may or may not haveseparate functional moieties attached thereto (for example, conjugated),

Various further modifications to the particular embodiments describedabove are, of course, possible. Accordingly, the present invention isnot limited to the particular embodiments described in detail above.

1-36. (canceled)
 37. A method of using an addressable array ofbiopolymers on a substrate, comprising: (a) receiving an array ofaddressable biopolymer regions and an associated machine readableidentifier carried on an array substrate or array housing; (b) machinereading the identifier as an identifier signal; and (c) retrievingupdated biological function data for one or more of the biopolymers froma memory based on the identifier signal, wherein the retrievedbiological function data comprises information on the function of atarget of the array, or its complement, or the gene from which eitheroriginated; wherein the retrieval of the biological function dataincludes: communicating the identifier signal to a processor whichretrieves data on the identity and biological function of thebiopolymers based on the read identifier.
 38. The method of claim 37,wherein the biopolymers are polynucleotides.
 39. The method of claim 38,wherein the biopolymers are DNA.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein thememory from which biological function data is retrieved is a portablestorage medium received from a remote location.
 41. The method of claim37, wherein the processor which retrieves the biological function dataand the memory from which the biological function data is retrieved, areremote from the location at which the array and identifier are read, andwherein the read identifier or identity data is communicated to theremote processor.
 42. The method of claim 37, wherein the method furthercomprises exposing the array to a sample, and reading the array.
 43. Themethod of claim 42, wherein the machine readable identifier is readwhile the array is in a same apparatus which reads the array.
 44. Themethod of claim 42, further comprising obtaining a communication addresswhich is used to establish communication with the remote processor. 45.The method of claim 42, further comprising retrieving biopolymeridentity data from a memory carrying multiple identifiers in associationwith the biopolymer identity data, using the identifier signal, andwherein the biopolymer identity data is communicated to the remoteprocessor to retrieve the biological function data in response.
 46. Themethod of claim 37, wherein the retrieved biological function datacomprises information on the gene from which a target or its complementoriginated.
 47. The method of claim 37, further comprising retrievingfeature characteristic data for one or more features on the array basedon the identifier signal.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein thefeature characteristic data includes an indication of a suspectedfeature error.
 49. The method of claim 47, wherein the suspected featureerror is selected from the group consisting of: an error in dimension,an error in location, presence or absence of the feature at a location,and amount of biopolymer present at the feature.
 50. The method of claim37, further comprising controlling processing information obtained fromthe array in accordance with the retrieved biological function data. 51.The method of claim 42, further comprising controlling reading of thearray in accordance with the retrieved biological function data.
 52. Amethod of using an addressable array of biopolymers on a substrate,comprising: (a) receiving an array of addressable biopolymer regions andan associated machine readable identifier carried on an array substrateor array housing; (b) machine reading the identifier as an identifiersignal; and (c) retrieving updated feature characteristic data for oneor more of the biopolymers from a memory based on the identifier signal,wherein the retrieval of the feature characteristic data includes:communicating the identifier signal to a processor which retrieves dataon feature characteristics based on the read identifier.
 53. The methodof claim 52, wherein the feature characteristic data includes anindication of a suspected feature error.
 54. The method of claim 53,wherein the suspected feature error is selected from the groupconsisting of: an error in dimension, an error in location, presence orabsence of the feature at a location, and amount of biopolymer presentat the feature.
 55. The method of claim 52, wherein the method furthercomprises saving into a memory, a first set of feature characteristicdata for an array, retrieving an updated set of feature characteristicdata based on the identifier signal, wherein feature characteristic datafrom the first set for a given feature is replaced with correspondingdata from the updated set when the first set data conflicts with theupdated set data.
 56. The method of claim 52 additionally comprisingcommunicating feature characteristic data for an array to a remotelocation in association with an identification of the feature.
 57. Themethod of claim 56 wherein the communicated feature identificationincludes the array identifier.
 58. A method of claim 57 wherein thereceived updated set of feature characteristic data is communicated froma remote location in response to receipt of the read array identifier.59. The method of claim 57 wherein the updated set of featurecharacteristic data is received on a portable storage medium.
 60. Amethod of generating addressable arrays of biopolymers on a substrate,comprising: (a) providing biopolymers for an array on different regionsof the substrate so as to fabricate the array; (b) applying anidentifier to the substrate of the array or a housing carrying thesubstrate; (c) saving in a memory, data on the identity of thebiopolymers on the array associated with the identifier; (d) providingthe fabricated array to a location remote from the fabrication location;(e) forwarding to the remote location, updated feature characteristicdata or updated biological function data associated with at least onearray identifier, wherein the biological function data comprisesinformation on the function of a target of the array, or its complement,or the gene from which either originated; and (f) communicating to aremote location an updated set of data for an array in response to areceived communication of the identifier corresponding to that array.61. An array fabrication station, comprising: (a) an array fabricator toprovide biopolymers onto different regions of a substrate so as tofabricate an array; (b) a writing system which applies a map identifierto a substrate or a housing carrying the substrate; (c) a processorwhich saves in a memory, data on the identity of the biopolymers foreach array, in association with the identifier for that array; and whichsaves in a memory first sets of feature characteristic data orbiological function data for the array in association with the arrayidentifier; and which saves in a memory an updated set of featurecharacteristic data and/or biological function data for at least some ofthe features of the array, in association with the array identifier. 62.The array fabrication station of claim 61, wherein the processorretrieves feature characteristic data and/or biological function data atpredetermined time intervals from one or more remote stations.
 63. Thearray fabrication station of claim 62, wherein the processorcommunicates updated data to one or more remote locations in response toreceipt of a communicated identifier for the array.
 64. The arrayfabrication station of claim 61, wherein in response to received readdata from the array associated with the identifier, the processorupdates feature characteristic data and/or biological function data.